What Are Wasps Actually Good For?

July 8, 2025, 1:13 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Few people are likely pleased when wasps join them. These insects nibble on food uninvited, buzz close to the body, and sting when they perceive us as a threat. No, wasps are truly bothersome—at least to humans. However, nature has a purpose for these insects as well.

Every animal and plant has a role in nature. In an ecosystem, various organisms are interdependent. If the deer population decreases, so does the wolf population. When the deer population recovers, more wolves will live in the forests again–a simplified explanation. This principle applies to all living beings in an ecosystem, including wasps. Although these striped insects can be quite bothersome to humans, wasps are beneficial creatures.

What Are Wasps Good For?

Many species of wasps consume fruit, flowers, and nectar, making them important pollinators. Without so-called fig wasps, for example, there would be no delicious figs, as they ensure that the flowers are pollinated and the fruits can grow.

Additionally, wasps are useful by consuming other insects, including pests and their larvae. According to the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), a small wasp colony can eliminate up to 3,000 flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars, moths, spiders, and other insects per day.

Why Do Wasps Sting?

The black-and-yellow insects sting when someone threatens their queen, nest, or themselves, or if they feel threatened by someone or something. Unlike the honeybee, a wasp does not lose its stinger after a sting but can retract and reuse it. Since it lacks barbs and can slide out of the skin more easily, wasps release less venom than bees or bumblebees, making their stings less painful.

By the way, honeybees and wasps are actually related. Millions of years ago, bees evolved from carnivorous wasps. Today, they differ not only in color and the fact that bees can sting only once. Unlike their relatives, bees do not eat meat.

Also interesting: How to Successfully Remove a Wasp Nest

Is It Legal to Kill Wasps?

Wasps, like many other insects, are protected by nature conservation laws. Therefore, it is illegal to kill them or relocate nests without permission. Depending on the state, violations can result in fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 euros. For particularly protected species, fines can be as high as 65,000 euros.

Related: Repelling Wasps with a Crumpled Paper Bag–Does the Internet Trick Work?

Also Found in the Garden Did You Know That the “Black Hornet” Is Actually Not a Hornet?

Act Promptly How to Effectively Prevent a Wasp Nest

Biologist Explains Hornet in the House? Here’s How to Handle It Properly

Methods to Protect Yourself from Wasps

It’s best not to leave food and drinks outside for long, as both attract the German and common wasp. A tip from the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Birds: Do not blow on wasps to drive them away. Saliva in the breath attracts the insects. Instead, spraying wasps with misted water helps. It feels like a weather change to them, prompting them to return to their nest.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.